Mayor Joan Hawkins is at it again.  Every fall, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health sponsors the challenge, which asks mayors to commit to walking either 5,000 or 10,000 steps a day using a tracking counter.  Those who complete the 5,000 step commitment are given $500, and those who complete the 10,000 steps are given $1,000 for use within their communities.  Hawkins, of course, is going for the 10,000 step challenge.  

“Some of these guys are pretty serious about it, but I plan to make the 310,000 steps at the very least,” Hawkins said.  At ten days in, she’s already well above the 100,000 step mark and on a steady pace to the finish line.

In the past, Hawkins has donated the money to various causes around town that support health and fitness, including, most recently, the pickleball court.  She has not decided yet what this year’s money will go toward.  “It’ll be something that raises awareness of staying healthy and keeping that in people’s minds,” she said.

The walking challenge is designed to do just that.  Blue Cross believes that mayors and other officials (a similar challenge will soon be held with state legislators) can serve as good role models for healthy habits.  Walking is one of the easiest and most effective means of improving daily physical and mental wellness.  Brisk walking can burn as many calories as jogging, without as much strain on knees and joints.  

Furthermore, as the mayor points out, Malad’s City Park is a wonderful place for walking, especially while the weather remains so nice.  It remains to be seen how long the mild autumn will continue, but everyone is encouraged to spend some time outdoors and enjoy it, whether walking or doing anything else active.  Forming good exercise practices is especially important for younger people, who tend to have better health outcomes later in life if they maintain a consistently active lifestyle. 

In the past, the mayor scheduled time specifically to walk with the elementary students during the month.  When COVID restrictions were put in place, the practice had to be paused for a while, though Hawkins plans to visit the school during recess to walk laps with the kids.  She also plans to walk with the elementary school in this year’s Halloween parade on October 26.